Making Amends

Posted on 11 Feb 2026 @ 12:13am by Lieutenant Ranul Frex & Lieutenant JG Shay Mitchell

3,391 words; about a 17 minute read

Mission: Epitaph
Location: Various
Timeline: July 10, 2390 || 1330 hours

[ON:]

The corridor aboard the USS Black Hawk were calm, a stark contrast to just days ago when things were thrown into pure chaos. As she walked, her mind replayed the whirlwind of events that had unfolded—the chaos had spiraled into outright madness. The ship had weathered crises before, but this one had left scars deeper than most. Mental mostly. And in the middle of it all, Lieutenant Ranul Frex had been dragged into the brig, not for his own missteps, but for the fallout of someone else’s reckless choices. The injustice of it gnawed at her, even now.

She slowed her pace as Engineering loomed ahead, the faint scent of coolant and the buzz of machinery drifting into the corridor. It wasn’t just duty that pulled her here—it was the weight of an apology long overdue. Frex had borne the brunt of consequences that weren’t his to carry, albeit... not for long... and she knew she owed him more than a passing word of regret. As the doors slid open, she squared her shoulders, determined to face him properly this time. Whatever awaited inside, she would make sure he knew she recognized the wrong done to him, and that she was ready to set things right.

Frex was running around Main Engineering, trying to basically pick up the pieces of what happened over the last few days and weeks. While people like Kemm and the rest of the Engineering crew did a magnificent job at keeping everything running, there were still things that even Q couldn't keep together without snapping his fingers.

Frex was looking over some of the damage repair reports that kept coming in from across the ship. The fires on several of the decks, including the ones above and below Engineering damaged some of the structural supports holding so much in place. So, Frex was working with several people on getting that taken care. However, he saw something...albeit, someone standing in Engineering that caught him a bit off guard. Frex saw Shay standing near the entrance of Engineering and Frex decided to walk over.

"Anything that I can help you out with, Lieutenant?" Frex asked, curious as to what might've brought her all the way down there to Engineering.

Shay’s lips curved into a small smile as she shook her head lightly, the hum of Engineering filling the pause between them. “Not this time, Lieutenant,” she said warmly, her tone carrying a hint of relief at seeing him outside the confines of the brig. “I was actually hoping to catch you for something a little less… chaotic than repair reports.”

She shifted her weight, hands clasped loosely behind her back as she met his gaze. “When you get a chance, would you like to grab a drink with me? Maybe even a bite to eat if you’re up for it. After everything that’s happened, I think we could both use a breather—and I’d like the chance to talk properly.” Her smile widened just a fraction, inviting but not pressing, leaving the choice in his hands.

Frex put a report down and said, "Why not now? Honestly, I've been going over a million reports and there'll be a million more for me when I get back. Only if you've got the time?"

Shay’s smile widened at his suggestion, a touch of relief softening her features. “I’ve got the time,” she replied warmly, her tone carrying a quiet eagerness. “And honestly, I think stepping away from all those reports for a little while might be good for a while.”

She shifted slightly, her posture relaxing as she added, “It’ll be nice to get to know you a bit better outside of all the chaos we’ve been dealing with. I feel like we’ve both been caught up in the storm, and maybe a drink and a bite to eat is exactly what we need to reset.” Her eyes met his, the smile lingering as if to reassure him that this was more than just a casual invitation—it was a chance to connect.

Frex handed the reports off to an Ensign and headed out of Main Engineering. "Yeah, you never truly know how many reports you have until they get a little piled up. I'm just glad that everything has started to clear up with the real Joey and Commodore coming to light. I just felt like I was going crazy thinking about what I could have done wrong with the device or how it could have been tampered with."

Shay fell into step beside him, her expression softening as she listened. After a moment, she drew in a steady breath and spoke with quiet sincerity. “Lieutenant… I owe you an apology. For my part in your arrest. I was following the evidence as it was laid out, and at the time it all pointed in your direction. Even if it turned out to be wrong, I should have remembered that evidence doesn’t always tell the whole story.” Her voice carried a formal weight, but there was no mistaking the genuine regret behind it.

She offered him a small, reassuring smile, lifting a hand to gesture toward the corridor beyond them. “I’d like the chance to make it up to you, even if only in a small way."

As they walked and Frex listened, his shrugged his shoulders and said, "You were following orders and the leads where they led. None of us knew that the Commodore or Joey were replaced with imposters. Heck, I was even second guessing myself there for a little bit and asking some hard questions to try and figure out what happened. You don't owe me anything for doing everything. But, I appreciate and accept the apology nonetheless. I think that I just want to figure out what happened, so it can't happen again. Like...is there some way we could test and make sure that people who they say they are? Do some sort of scan or something? I don't know."

"I think we all want that," the Security officer said. "I imagine that the clones know more than they're letting on, but getting them to tell us what they know is going to be hard. I'm not even sure what's going to happen to them."

"Well, I wonder though. Have we used any of the telepathic species onboard to maybe help us out with them? Even if it's just to make sure they're telling us the truth more than actually reading their minds or anything. I....just wish that I could help out more with that. But, I know that you guys will figure it all out with them," Frex replied with a soft huff of a sigh. He wanted to be able to figure out what they knew, but nothing in his engineering mind could come up with something.

"Lieutenant Rael has been able to confirm that the clone of Commander Geisler has been telling the truth on a couple different occasions," Shay said as they continued on their way.

"That's a plus at least. I just wonder how the clones were even made. I can think of the why a little bit, but I just want to know how it was done. I've heard of clones on various other worlds, but never quite saw one up close," Frex said as they ended the lounge onboard the Black Hawk.

"That makes two of us. I'm not sure it's an answer we will ever get, though," she said as they came to the entrance of Talon's. Shay stepped just inside and took a quick look around. It wasn't overly crowded.

Offering a seat up in the lounge, Frex said, "Well, at least we know what to look out for now that we know about D'rimo too. I had a friend of mine go out and help with the mission where they met D'rimo and he said that he wasn't the most pleasant person you'd ever meet."

"We won't have to worry about D'rimo or his minions anymore," she said before she took a seat. "How about we shift things? Tell me a bit about you?"

Frex laughed and said, "That's quite the loaded question. There's so much that I could talk about with that, from being half Trill and half El-Aurian. Or, the fact that I failed my Astrophysics final. But, I got to redo it because my best friend was the professor's favorite niece. So, is there anything in particular you'd like to do?"

Shay smiled and looked thoughtful for a moment. "I think I would like to get to know you better off the clock," she found herself saying. "I mean... if that's something you might like as well."

Frex smiled and let out a small little chuckle as he said, "Of course, I would. I'm just messing with you a little bit. After everything lately, laughter definitely is some good medicine. That's definitely one thing you'll find out that I enjoy. It's making people laugh and cracking the occasional joke. But, I'd definitely like that."

Shay let a small smile tug at her lips, the sound of his chuckle easing some of the heaviness she’d been carrying. “Yeah… I think we could both use a little laughter after everything that’s happened. You’re right, it really is good medicine.” Her gaze softened as she studied him. “So if jokes are your specialty, I guess I’m in good hands.”

She tilted her head slightly, curiosity slipping into her tone. “What about when you’re not busy making people laugh? What do you like to do in your spare time?”

"Well, I might just be an engineer. But, I enjoy learning new languages. I've been trying to dust some of the rust off of my Klingon, as that has been a bit rusty as all get out lately. That also ties into my love of learning about various cultures and their History. Before our little mission into the Gamma Quadrant for this mission, I was running a holo program about some Vulcan artifacts that were found during the time of Archer's Enterprise. I can't remember the name of it, but it helped to shape Vulcan society after that," Frex said as he thought about it all and what he enjoyed. Even though it was broad, he enjoyed it and knew that there was always something to be learned from the past and languages.

He looked to Shay and asked, "How about you? What do you do when you're not on duty? Typically?"

Shay’s smile widened as she listened, a spark of recognition lighting her eyes. “Well, it looks like we already have something in common. I’ve always had a soft spot for other languages too—there’s something fascinating about how different cultures express themselves.” She shifted her weight slightly, her tone warm and open. “If you need help brushing up, I wouldn't mind offering my services. "

She let out a soft laugh before continuing. “When I’m off duty, I tend to drift toward anything creative. I really appreciate painting and art—there’s something calming about it, even if I’m not exactly a master artist.” Her smile turned a little playful. “And when I’m not doing that, I’m usually working out. Mostly because I love food… especially the kind that isn’t good for me. So staying in shape is kind of a necessity.”

Her gaze returned to him, curious and relaxed. “Keeps me balanced, I guess.”

Frex let out a small chuckle as he said, "I'm very food motivated myself. One thing that I've found out that I enjoy is trying new foods from around the universe. Have you ever tried Bajoran Hasperat? It's got this kick to it, but it's beyond good. So, if you're ever feeling something a bit more adventurous before or after a workout, that's totally the way to go with it!"

Shay’s eyes brightened with recognition, and she let out a soft laugh. “I’ve actually tried Hasperat before. Not often, though—hard to come by unless you know the right places. But I do appreciate a good kick now and then.” She lifted a hand, wiggling it playfully. “In moderation. If I overdo the spice, I end up regretting my life choices.”

Before she could say more, a waitress approached their table with a friendly smile. “Hi there, I’m Lira. I’ll be taking care of you two today. Can I start you off with something to drink? Maybe a round of appetizers?”

Shay glanced up at her, returning the smile. “I’ll take something tropical—surprise me, as long as it’s fruity.” She then turned her attention to Frex, her expression inviting. “What about you?”

Frex thought about it for a second and said, "Prune juice would be amazing. Also, before both of you ask, the gut slug loves it more than I do. Gotta make sure Frex is happy." Frex gave a small shrug before letting off a small chuckle.

Shay’s lips curved into the faintest grin, amusement flickering in her eyes. “Well, as long as the gut slug’s happy, who am I to judge? I’d hate to be responsible for upsetting your… internal roommate.” She gave a soft laugh, shaking her head just slightly. “Prune juice it is, then.”

Lira’s smile warmed as she jotted down their choices. “Perfect. I’ll be right back with those drinks,” she said brightly before turning toward the bar.

Frex gently patted his stomach before saying, "Without good old Frex, I don't think I'd nearly be the man that I am today. He has helped out over the years. So, if he wants prune juice, I get the prune juice. It's truly a warriors drink."

Shay couldn’t help the amused breath that slipped out, her grin returning in full. “A warrior’s drink, huh? Well, I guess that makes the two of you quite the formidable duo.” Her eyes flicked to his hand on his stomach, then back up with a teasing glint. “Kind of makes me think I should change mine."

Frex chuckled and waved his hands gently before replying, "I liked what you got. Makes it kind of mysterious the way you ordered it cause it could honestly be anything. Is it a vodka cranberry? Is it an old school Earth drink called Coke? What will it be? I liked it honestly. Like I said, mysterious."

Shay’s smile softened into something warm, touched with a hint of amusement. “Well, I’m glad my drink order has you intrigued. A little mystery never hurt anyone.”

Her expression gentled as she leaned in just a bit. “But honestly? This… all of this is nice. Sitting here with you, talking, laughing.” A quiet breath escaped her, almost a laugh of her own. “I wouldn’t mind doing it more often.” She let the thought linger before adding, her tone low but open, “Maybe when we finally get some real downtime on New Bajor, we could spend a little more time together. Just… enjoy it.”

Frex smiled softly and replied, "You know? I've never actually been to New Bajor, except when I passed through. Or it has been so long that I've forgotten about the last time that I have been. It would be nice to just make a layover and just....enjoy it, like you said. I think I would like that. A lot actually. Maybe we could try some of their hasperat or something? I've heard it's better than the replicated stuff, if you like hasperat. Otherwise, we could always find something down there?"

Shay’s smile warmed, touched with a quiet excitement she didn’t bother hiding. “Honestly? That sounds perfect. I think you’d like it there. There’s something… grounding about New Bajor. Slower, calmer. The kind of place where you can actually breathe for a minute.”

She leaned in a little, her tone soft but certain. “And I’d really like to share that with you. A layover, a walk, real food instead of replicated—whatever we end up doing, I think it’d be nice.”

A playful spark lit her eyes. “And yes, I’m absolutely willing to try the real hasperat. Just… maybe not the extra‑fiery version. I’d rather not set my mouth on fire in front of you.”

Frex let out a hardy, from the belly chuckle this time and replied, "Yeah, that would be unfortunate....for either one of us to have to endure. Maybe we could start off with the milder version of it or something? I don't want to be breathing fire the first time eating that stuff or on my first time on New Bajor."

Frex thought about it and said, "When are we do back on New Bajor anyways? I feel like I saw that it would be soon? But, I can't remember."

The young Security officer's smile turned a touch mischievous, her eyes glinting with playful warmth. “Starting mild sounds like a good plan... maybe do like a Hasperat flight. Start mild and work our way up?" Shay asked, letting her gaze linger on him for a beat longer than necessary, her tone dipping into something softer. “And as for when we’re due… pretty sure it’s soon. Soon enough that you might want to start packing and preparing.”

"Funny story though. My second host was actually allergic to hasperat. Didn't matter how spicy it was, they would come out looking like a patchy starfish after sunbathing. Me? I haven't even broken out in a sweat with it," Frex replied smiling a bit. He looked at Shay and said, "Yeah, I'd enjoy spending some time down there with some good company. Much like yourself."

Shay’s smile deepened, a soft laugh slipping out at his description. “A patchy starfish? That’s… honestly a little tragic, but also kind of adorable in a very unfortunate way.” Her eyes sparkled with amusement before settling warmly on him.

“And you, not even breaking a sweat? I’m starting to think you’re trying to impress me with your spice tolerance,” she teased lightly.

Frex waved his hand for a moment before replying, "Don't get me wrong. There are certain things that will tear my stomach up. Especially several Klingon dishes. They know how to make you regret life choices with simple food. But, I do enjoy eating a bit of spicy food, or at least trying it."

“Oh, trust me, I’ve heard stories about Klingon cuisine. Anything that can make a grown man question his life choices probably isn’t on my must‑try list.” Shay said as she let out a soft laugh, shaking her head with a playful glint in her eyes. “But spicy food in general? There’s something fun about testing your limits."

Frex chuckled and replied, "Well, maybe we can do that on New Bajor. Nothing too crazy. But, just to try it. You in?"

"I'm in," Shay confirmed with a smile of her own.

"Good cause I actually have to head back onto duty before half of Engineering mysteriously disappears into a different dimension or something. But, this was fun. I....can't wait to go on that trip to New Bajor. It seems like it would be a lot of fun," Frex replied as he got up from his seat before looking back at Shay.

Shay rose from her seat as well, her smile softening into something warm and unmistakably genuine. “Yeah… this was really nice,” she said, looking up at him with a quiet confidence. “And I’m definitely looking forward to that trip. More than I probably should admit.”

She let a playful glimmer spark in her eyes. “So go save Engineering from dimensional chaos. I’ll be returning back to Security to attempt to make the Chief's life easier.”

"Tell Camila to try not to blow up my warp core anytime soon. I've got enough dimensional stuff to worry about down there," Frex said as he headed out and back to Main Engineering.

[OFF:]

Lieutenant Ranul Frex
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Black Hawk

&

Lieutenant (JG) Shay Mitchell
Assistant Chief Security Officer
USS Black Hawk

RSS Feed